65+ plus: Speech by the Grand Chancellor of the National Grand Lodge of Greece
Dear Brethren,
I am deeply grateful to stand among you today, as we gather to reflect on a subject that resonates profoundly with the core values of our fraternity: the participation and inclusion of our senior members, those aged 65 and above, within the sacred walls of Freemasonry. Let us begin by contemplating the broader canvas of life, painted by the passage of time and the wisdom it bestows.
As we look across Europe today, we observe that our society, much like the seasons of nature, is experiencing the autumn of its demographic composition. Children make up roughly 15% of our population, those in the prime of their working years about 64%, and our elders, aged 65 and above, represent approximately 21%. By the grace of the Great Architect, life expectancy reaches around 81 years, reminding us of the precious gift of time.
In the sacred tapestry of life, elders are the golden threads woven throughout, bringing strength, continuity, and beauty to the whole. They are the keepers of wisdom, bearers of experience, and the embodiment of virtues refined over many years. Just as a tree grows stronger with each passing season, so too do our elders, who have weathered life's storms and basked in its sunshine.
Freemasonry, with its ancient roots, provides fertile ground where the wisdom of our senior members can blossom. Let us reflect on the symbolic meanings within our craft:
• Entered Apprentice: This degree invites us to begin our journey with humility and the desire for knowledge. For our elders, this stage offers a chance to reconnect with their spiritual beginnings, nurturing their souls with continued personal growth and moral reflection.
• Fellowcraft: As we progress, we celebrate the pursuit of knowledge and the dignity of work. Our senior members, with their vast life experiences, become invaluable resources for the Lodge, sharing their insights and guidance. They remind us that learning is a lifelong pursuit, one that enriches both the mind and the spirit.
• Master Mason: The culmination of our journey calls upon us to embody wisdom and offer guidance. Our elders, having walked this path, are uniquely positioned to serve as mentors, passing down the light of their experiences to younger generations. They become the wise guardians of our traditions, ensuring that the flame of Freemasonry burns brightly for years to come.
Freemasonry is a sanctuary, a place where souls find fellowship, purpose, and peace. For our senior members, the fraternity offers not only a sense of belonging but also a spiritual home where they can continue to grow and contribute. The presence of our elders within the Lodge is a blessing, for they bring the richness of their lived experiences, a calm presence, and a reflective nature that inspires all.
Nurturing the Spirit: Engagement in Rituals and teachings provides continuous spiritual nourishment. For our elders, these rituals offer comfort and a connection to the eternal truths that transcend the material world. They find solace in the time-honoured traditions that resonate with their personal journey of faith and introspection.
Building Bonds of Brotherhood: In a world where loneliness often shadows old age, Freemasonry stands as a beacon of hope and companionship. Our elders find in the Lodge a community that values and respects them, a place where friendships are forged, and the spirit of fraternity thrives.
Living a Purposeful Life: By participating in charitable acts and community service, our senior members continue to live with purpose. Their contributions, guided by love and compassion, enrich not only their own lives but also the lives of those they touch. Through these acts, they embody the Masonic virtues of charity and brotherly love.
Encouraging individuals aged 65+ to join and participate in Masonic activities not only benefits them but also strengthens the Lodge, creating a more vibrant and supportive fraternity for all. Let us continue to uphold the values of fellowship, learning and charity, ensuring that all members, regardless of age, feel valued and included.
Just as a fruit that has ripened with patience under the sun, rain, wind, and snow, acquiring all its flavour, sweetness, aromas, and nutrients, so too does a person mature and gain wisdom, experience, and virtue as they journey through life amidst difficulties. We do not enjoy the fruit before it ripens because it has not yet fully developed its benefits. The same applies to a man who has passed the age of 65 and, over the years, has reduced the youthful impulsiveness that often leads to mistakes. A man over 65 years old is considered mature, respectable, and has a significant life expectancy and potential for contributing to society and Freemasonry.
His experience, his knowledge, and his composure, like the ripe fruit, are then in their full bloom and can offer the most to an organisation. Maturity, both in nature and in life, is not only a stage, but the culmination of usefulness and value and also the duty of giving back to the next generation the lessons of life.
Let us embrace our elders with open hearts and minds, recognizing the divine gifts they bring to our fraternity. Just as a ripe fruit carries the sweetness of the sun, rain, wind, and snow, so too do our senior members embody the essence of a life well-lived. They have journeyed through the trials and triumphs of existence, emerging with wisdom, grace, and the strength to guide us all.
Their maturity is not merely a stage of life; it is the culmination of their spiritual and moral growth. They stand as living testaments to the power of patience, reflection, and resilience. In honouring them, we honour the principles upon which Freemasonry was built: fellowship, learning, and the eternal quest for truth.
As Rudyard Kipling so eloquently captured:
“If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With sixty seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”
Our senior members, by filling their minutes with wisdom and love, have claimed their place in the sacred circle of life. Let us learn from them, honor them, and continue to uphold the values that make Freemasonry a timeless and divine brotherhood.
In conclusion, the Grand Lodge should seriously consider ways to attract men aged 65 and above from society to become members of Freemasonry. These men, with their wealth of experience and wisdom, can bring depth and insight to our fraternity. Creating special programmes and initiatives to invite older men to learn about Freemasonry could greatly enrich our spiritual and communal life. In doing so, our brotherhood will continue to flourish, strengthened by the wisdom of generations that come to join us.
Thank you, my brethren, for your time and reflection. May we all continue to walk the path of light, guided by the wisdom of those who have come before us.
I Said,
RWBro. GC D. Sk.
I am deeply grateful to stand among you today, as we gather to reflect on a subject that resonates profoundly with the core values of our fraternity: the participation and inclusion of our senior members, those aged 65 and above, within the sacred walls of Freemasonry. Let us begin by contemplating the broader canvas of life, painted by the passage of time and the wisdom it bestows.
Introduction: The Divine Cycle of Life
As we look across Europe today, we observe that our society, much like the seasons of nature, is experiencing the autumn of its demographic composition. Children make up roughly 15% of our population, those in the prime of their working years about 64%, and our elders, aged 65 and above, represent approximately 21%. By the grace of the Great Architect, life expectancy reaches around 81 years, reminding us of the precious gift of time.
Embracing the Wisdom of Our Elders
In the sacred tapestry of life, elders are the golden threads woven throughout, bringing strength, continuity, and beauty to the whole. They are the keepers of wisdom, bearers of experience, and the embodiment of virtues refined over many years. Just as a tree grows stronger with each passing season, so too do our elders, who have weathered life's storms and basked in its sunshine.
Freemasonry, with its ancient roots, provides fertile ground where the wisdom of our senior members can blossom. Let us reflect on the symbolic meanings within our craft:
• Entered Apprentice: This degree invites us to begin our journey with humility and the desire for knowledge. For our elders, this stage offers a chance to reconnect with their spiritual beginnings, nurturing their souls with continued personal growth and moral reflection.
• Fellowcraft: As we progress, we celebrate the pursuit of knowledge and the dignity of work. Our senior members, with their vast life experiences, become invaluable resources for the Lodge, sharing their insights and guidance. They remind us that learning is a lifelong pursuit, one that enriches both the mind and the spirit.
• Master Mason: The culmination of our journey calls upon us to embody wisdom and offer guidance. Our elders, having walked this path, are uniquely positioned to serve as mentors, passing down the light of their experiences to younger generations. They become the wise guardians of our traditions, ensuring that the flame of Freemasonry burns brightly for years to come.
The Spiritual and Communal Benefits of Inclusion
Freemasonry is a sanctuary, a place where souls find fellowship, purpose, and peace. For our senior members, the fraternity offers not only a sense of belonging but also a spiritual home where they can continue to grow and contribute. The presence of our elders within the Lodge is a blessing, for they bring the richness of their lived experiences, a calm presence, and a reflective nature that inspires all.
Nurturing the Spirit: Engagement in Rituals and teachings provides continuous spiritual nourishment. For our elders, these rituals offer comfort and a connection to the eternal truths that transcend the material world. They find solace in the time-honoured traditions that resonate with their personal journey of faith and introspection.
Building Bonds of Brotherhood: In a world where loneliness often shadows old age, Freemasonry stands as a beacon of hope and companionship. Our elders find in the Lodge a community that values and respects them, a place where friendships are forged, and the spirit of fraternity thrives.
Living a Purposeful Life: By participating in charitable acts and community service, our senior members continue to live with purpose. Their contributions, guided by love and compassion, enrich not only their own lives but also the lives of those they touch. Through these acts, they embody the Masonic virtues of charity and brotherly love.
Encouraging individuals aged 65+ to join and participate in Masonic activities not only benefits them but also strengthens the Lodge, creating a more vibrant and supportive fraternity for all. Let us continue to uphold the values of fellowship, learning and charity, ensuring that all members, regardless of age, feel valued and included.
Just as a fruit that has ripened with patience under the sun, rain, wind, and snow, acquiring all its flavour, sweetness, aromas, and nutrients, so too does a person mature and gain wisdom, experience, and virtue as they journey through life amidst difficulties. We do not enjoy the fruit before it ripens because it has not yet fully developed its benefits. The same applies to a man who has passed the age of 65 and, over the years, has reduced the youthful impulsiveness that often leads to mistakes. A man over 65 years old is considered mature, respectable, and has a significant life expectancy and potential for contributing to society and Freemasonry.
His experience, his knowledge, and his composure, like the ripe fruit, are then in their full bloom and can offer the most to an organisation. Maturity, both in nature and in life, is not only a stage, but the culmination of usefulness and value and also the duty of giving back to the next generation the lessons of life.
As a Conclusion: Honouring the Journey of Life
Let us embrace our elders with open hearts and minds, recognizing the divine gifts they bring to our fraternity. Just as a ripe fruit carries the sweetness of the sun, rain, wind, and snow, so too do our senior members embody the essence of a life well-lived. They have journeyed through the trials and triumphs of existence, emerging with wisdom, grace, and the strength to guide us all.
Their maturity is not merely a stage of life; it is the culmination of their spiritual and moral growth. They stand as living testaments to the power of patience, reflection, and resilience. In honouring them, we honour the principles upon which Freemasonry was built: fellowship, learning, and the eternal quest for truth.
As Rudyard Kipling so eloquently captured:
“If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With sixty seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”
Our senior members, by filling their minutes with wisdom and love, have claimed their place in the sacred circle of life. Let us learn from them, honor them, and continue to uphold the values that make Freemasonry a timeless and divine brotherhood.
Encouraging the Grand Lodge to Consider the Inclusion of Elderly Members
In conclusion, the Grand Lodge should seriously consider ways to attract men aged 65 and above from society to become members of Freemasonry. These men, with their wealth of experience and wisdom, can bring depth and insight to our fraternity. Creating special programmes and initiatives to invite older men to learn about Freemasonry could greatly enrich our spiritual and communal life. In doing so, our brotherhood will continue to flourish, strengthened by the wisdom of generations that come to join us.
Thank you, my brethren, for your time and reflection. May we all continue to walk the path of light, guided by the wisdom of those who have come before us.
I Said,
RWBro. GC D. Sk.
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